Japan monarchy: Princess Mako to lose royal status by marrying commoner
A member of Japan's royal family, Princess Mako, is to surrender her royal status by marrying a commoner.
The
25-year-old eldest granddaughter of Emperor Akihito will become engaged
to law firm worker Kei Komuro, also 25, whom she met while studying
together.
Japan's imperial law requires a princess to leave the royal family after marrying a commoner.
The move is expected to reignite debate on royal succession, with the emperor also possibly abdicating soon.
Princess
Mako and Kei Komuro met in 2012 at a restaurant, when they were both
studying at the International Christian University in Tokyo.
What happens now?
The Imperial Household told local media that plans were under way for the princess's engagement.
According
to the Associated Press news agency a public announcement will be made,
and then a wedding date will be set. AP said the couple would also make
a formal report to the emperor and empress.
The engagement will only be official after a ceremonial exchange of gifts, local media said.
Asked
about their engagement plans, Mr Komuro on Wednesday was quoted as
saying: "Now is not the time for me to comment, but I want to speak at
the right time."
Has this ever happened before?
Yes, Princess Mako's aunt Princess Sayako married a commoner in 2005 - the first time a Japanese royal became a commoner.
She moved into a one-bedroom apartment, had to learn how to drive, shop in a supermarket and buy furniture.
Princess Sayako is the only daughter of Emperor Akihito.
How does this affect the royal family?
Emperor Akihito, 83, hinted last August that he wanted to stand down, saying his age could interfere with his duties.
No
Japanese emperor has abdicated for two centuries and the law currently
does not allow it, but Japan is currently considering legal changes to
allow the emperor to abdicate.
However, the new legislation is
expected to leave unchanged a males-only succession law - which has been
at the centre of debate for many years.
Because of that law there
are only four heirs to the Chrysanthemum Throne: Akihito's sons Crown
Prince Naruhito and Prince Fumihito, Prince Hisahito (Fumihito's son)
and the emperor's younger brother, Prince Masahito.
After news of
Princess Mako's upcoming engagement broke, Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide
Suga was quoted by Reuters news agency as saying: "There is no change in
our view to proceed with consideration of steps to ensure stable
imperial succession."
BBC
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